This blog covers world political issues, mostly about LGBT news and rights, and other topics of my interest.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

More than half of adults in the US say they would support a trans kid

In a sign of growing acceptance for transgender children, a new survey conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association finds 53% of American adults would support their teenage child's request to transition to another gender.

Dr Laura Arrowsmith, practices at a trans clinic in Oklahoma, said: "Parents have a significant role in raising transgender kids. Once they get on board after stages of denial, rejection, condemnation and grief, they become powerful advocates at school and with extended family. This is crucial to the child’s well-being".

She went on to explain: "Trans children are living in a body that doesn’t match how they view themselves. To address the dysphoria, some may wish to transition socially or to medically transition through gender-confirmation surgery and/or hormone treatment".

Support from parents is especially important seeing as trans people are more likely than their LGB counterparts to suffer with mental health issues. Transgender and gender-expansive children do best when their family helps them cope with social pressure and bullying while affirming their journey.

Simple actions can ensure a child feels safe and loved. In many cases, patience, support and careful listening are the best medicine.